Minnesota Hunter Safety Course

Chapter 3: Know your Ammunition

Ammunition varies with the type of firearm used. Rifles and handguns use cartridges with a single projectile, whereas shotguns use shot shells which can have a single or multiple projectiles. Let's explore the different types of ammunitions used for firearms today, how they work, and the steps used to increase their accuracy on the way to the target.

One of the most important points of this firearms safety course is to learn and follow all the rules of firearms safety. Keep these rules in mind while you learn about ammunition. We will go into more detail on these rules in Chapter 4.

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

Be sure of your target, in front and beyond.

Goals for This Chapter

You will be required to show the following skills and/or knowledge at your Field Day:

NOTE - the numbers listed below correspond the the program objectives listed on the "Firearms Safety Education Program" print-out, available in your exam center.